The 2025 African Cup of Nations kicks off on December 21, with Morocco set to host the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest footballing event.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2024 edition, will aim to go one better as they compete against 23 other nations for continental glory.
The Super Eagles last lifted the trophy in 2013, as Sunday Mbah’s strike sealed a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso as they secured a third title.
Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to announce a preliminary squad soon, which will later be trimmed to a 28-man team ahead of the December 11 deadline.
While established stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi are expected to feature, there could also be a few surprise inclusions.
Join SportPremi as we take a look at five shock names who could make the final 28-man squad;
Paul Onuachu
Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu has been in inspiring form for the Turkish side this season, which could earn him a recall to the national team.
The striker has made 25 appearances for the Super Eagles and was part of the squad to the 2024 African Cup of Nations, although he had limited minutes in that tournament.
His last appearance came over a year ago, but with the struggles of the attack in the absence of Osimhen, Eric Chelle could turn to the in-form talisman who could provide solution to the struggles.
Joe Aribo
Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo is another surprise name that could make the squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament.
The 29-year-old also featured at the last AFCON tournament, which coincidentally was his last appearance for the national team.
The Southampton midfielder is more experienced and could offer some sort of alternative to the preferred pairing of Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Ndidi.
Victor Boniface
Another name on this list is Werder Bremen striker Victor Boniface, who could make a return to the team after a short while away.
The 24-year-old has endured an underwhelming spell for the national team and made a joke about retiring sometime ago.
Boniface missed the last AFCON tournament with an injury, but could be given a chance to prove himself in the final squad for the tournament.
Francis Uzoho
Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, once the nation’s undisputed number one, lost his starting spot following a series of costly errors.
He spent most of the last AFCON tournament on the bench as second-choice to Stanley Nwabali, who had recently emerged on the national scene.
However, Nwabali’s recent shaky displays could pave the way for a possible return for Uzoho, who has been in excellent form for his club side Omonia Nicosia
Kenneth Omeruo
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo could earn a shock recall to the squad ahead of next month’s African Cup of Nations tournament.
The potential absence of youngster Benjamin Fredrick could free up an extra spot for a defender and Omeruo could emerge as the replacement due to his experience.
He has played more than 15 matches at the continental tournament and could also provide leadership abilities that could be crucial to the team’s success.
